12 Famous Books About Christmas (1) "A Christmas Carol" (1843) by Charles Dickens is one of the most famous and beloved Christmas stories of all time. The author, Dickens, was born in England, which also serves as the backdrop of this tale. The novella tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser who is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve who teach him the true meaning of Christmas. (2) "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (1957) by Dr. Seuss is a popular children's book that has become a part of the Christmas tradition for many. Dr. Seuss, a.k.a. Theodor Seuss Geisel, was an American author and cartoonist. The book, set in the fictional town of Whoville, tells the story of the Grinch, who hates Christmas and decides to steal it from the Whos, only to realize the true spirit of the holiday. (3) "The Polar Express" (1985) by Chris Van Allsburg is a children's book written and illustrated by an American author. The book, set in the United States, describes a magical train ride on Christmas Eve, which takes a young boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa Claus. This book emphasizes belief in the magic of Christmas. (4) "The Night Before Christmas" (1823), originally titled "A Visit from St. Nicholas," was penned by Clement Clarke Moore. Moore was an American writer, and the poem is set in a home in America on Christmas Eve. The poem describes a visit from St. Nicholas (Santa Claus), detailing the traditions associated with Christmas. (5) "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" (1989) by Eric Kimmel is a well-known book that, while it revolves around Hanukkah rather than Christmas, shares the holiday spirit. Kimmel, an American author, sets the story in Eastern Europe and describes Hershel's journey to outwit goblins who have been stopping the villagers from celebrating Hanukkah. (6) "Letters from Father Christmas" (1976) is a compilation of letters and drawings by J.R.R. Tolkien, created for his children, which describe the adventures of Father Christmas. Tolkien, an English author best known for "The Lord of the Rings," brings his masterful storytelling to a whimsical and magical Christmas setting in the North Pole. (7) "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (1965) by Charles M. Schulz is a beloved book adaptation of the popular Peanuts television special. Schulz, an American cartoonist, tells the story of Charlie Brown's quest to understand the real meaning of Christmas amidst the commercialism that often surrounds the holiday. (8) "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" (1971) by Barbara Robinson is a humorous and touching children's book about a church Christmas pageant that is taken over by the Herdman children, the worst kids in the history of the world. Robinson was an American author, and the story is set in a small town in the United States. (9) "The Autobiography of Santa Claus" (1994) by Jeff Guinn provides a whimsical look at the life of Santa Claus, woven throughout historical events. Guinn, an American author, introduces Santa as a figure who has been present throughout history, spreading Christmas cheer. (10) "Christmas: A Biography" (2017) by Judith Flanders offers a comprehensive historical overview of Christmas and its traditions. Flanders, a British historian, traces the development and changes of Christmas from its origins to the present day, considering global and regional differences in the celebration. (11) "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (1780) is a traditional Christmas carol that has been adapted into various children's books over the years. The song is English in origin, and the lyrics, which serve as the basis for the books, describe increasingly grand gifts given on each of the twelve days of Christmas. (12) "The Snowman" (1978) by Raymond Briggs is a wordless children's picture book that tells the story of a young English boy who builds a snowman that comes alive and takes him on a magical adventure. Briggs is a British author, and the story is set in rural England.